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Week 4: Enveloped in Love: Unwrapping the Gift of Jesus  

“The angel said to them, do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people, today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2: 10, 11)

Have you told someone you love them today? Actually saying “I love you” to a parent, a sibling, a child, a friend leaves a lasting connection. How much more are we connected to God because God’s great way of saying “I love you” has left a lasting truth and presence in our lives. The gift of Jesus that we celebrate is our constant reminder of an everlasting connection to God’s love. Jesus is God’s “I love you”.

As we celebrate Christmas, I am in the final days of the practice of reading the Bible in a year, a deeply rewarding process. How else would I have had the disciplined guidance to read through the mysteries contained in the accounts of the prophets from Isaiah to Malachi? The writings of the prophets are a stark reminder that humanity has a long track record of breaking their connection with God’s love for them.

Better than ancient temples, better than animal or grain sacrifices, better than festivals and celebrations, our Almighty Heavenly Father moves into humanity to be present in the flesh, to come as a gift of love to the human race. God is present in the reality of Jesus, so we will never forget we are loved by God.

Immanuel, God with us, the gift of Jesus, the birth of a baby, is God’s everlasting voice to us, God telling us all, for all time, that we are deeply loved. “Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14

“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2: 10 -11.

We are deeply loved by God; the gift of Jesus is our ever-present reminder in our daily lives that God continues to embrace us with love.

Lorna Dueck

Lorna Dueck
Lead Consultant
Lorna Dueck Creative

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before you with gratitude for the precious gift of Jesus, the embodiment of your eternal love. May the warmth of this holy night inspire us to share our love, not just in words but through genuine acts of compassion, strengthening our bonds with family and friends.  

Reflection

Let’s intentionally express love to those around us, through kind words and thoughtful gestures. Embrace the transformative power of God’s love, mirrored in the gift of Jesus, and let it inspire a ripple effect of kindness and compassion in our interactions throughout the coming year. 

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come before you, seeking comfort and connection as we navigate the rush of daily responsibilities. Help us find moments of pause to hear your whisper and rediscover the desires you’ve planted within us. Lord, help us to remember that our hope is in you and in your Word, where true fulfillment is found.

Reflection:

Take a purposeful moment each day to step away from the daily grind of life. Set aside time for reflection and prayer, allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate the desires God has planted in your heart. Consider journaling your thoughts and reflections to deepen your understanding of the desires God has for you.